new and featured books and excerpts
SteinerBooks
Catalog of Biodynamic
Farming and Gardening
v i si o n a r y i d e a s & p r a c t i c a l a p pl i c a t i o n s
fo r a h e a lt h i e r b o d y, s o ul , a n d e a r t h
s t e i n e r b o o k s . o r g • 7 0 3 . 6 6 1 . 1 5 9 4
Excerpt from the Fall 2014 issue of Biodynamics
Why does
membership
matter?
It is the foundation of our
work, helping us to keep
educating, researching and
building the biodynamic
movement
It gives us collective power
as a community to
demonstrate the vitality and
healing power of biodynamics
It provides great benefits:
access to online resources
discounts on events
a wealth of information in the
Biodynamics journal
Become a member now
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HEALTH AND WHOLENESS ON THE FARM
W
JEAN-PAUL COURTENS
E ARE OFTEN ASKED if our produce is healthier than the produce
you buy elsewhere—a loaded question that invites an answer filled
with hubris. The question comes with the expectation that we lay
claim to a measureable outcome. As a result I avoid answering it
altogether, which is unfortunate. I know, having gladly read the emails from many
of our members, that
indeed our produce creates
a great sense of wellbeing. I
wonder if health, aside
from a sense of wellbeing,
can truly be quantified.
The word “health”
comes from the Old English
Germanic word for “whole”
and “holy.” The last one is
a bit loaded indeed, and
the first one is becoming
widely used to advertise all-natural foods and services. The word “whole” implies
that all the parts are properly connected. To discern truth, we fracture the whole
into measurable parts to quantify measurable facts. Once you break the whole into
separate parts, it is really hard to put the parts back together again. Ever tried to put
a frog back together after you dissected it?
Modern science is based on finding truth by fracturing the whole into
smaller and smaller parts. We have come to understand the world by naming all
the building blocks. We have also been extremely clever by rearranging them in a
way that works better for us. We have taken the smallest parts and turned them into
something new, something nature did not create itself. Call it sub-nature, as there
is a huge difference between living organisms and an assembled product. A product
is still complete (and whole), but it is never connected to all the other living systems
on this planet. This is exactly the problem when we insert a foreign gene into a plant
or animal.
There are many examples where our ability to disassemble the whole into
parts has resulted in products that increased our quality of life. Think here of the
incredible arsenal of medicines produced and manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry. The dilemma with many of these products is that, while they help
save lives, their byproducts end up in our drinking water and oceans, and only God
knows what the long-term effects are of this. And I can continue page after page of
examples of how we have cleverly reassembled building blocks into new products
that are very useful but that, once discarded, can pose a problem to the natural
cycling of the living systems on our planet. With all our cleverness, we forgot that we
are part of this planet....
Jean-Paul Courtens and Jody Bolluyt own and operate Roxbury Farm
in Kinderhook, New York. Founded in 1990, the farm today is a
375-acre diversified CSA operation serving over 1,400 families.
Jean-Paul is a pioneer leader in the CSA and organic movements.
Dear Friend,
SteinerBooks
in partnership with
Spring is not far off, and it’s time to start
thinking about starting those seeds you
saved and planning the garden. This year we
are pleased to offer our first catalog in several years devoted solely to books related to
biodynamics and healthy living. This catalog features only
a select few of our many books on biodynamics, so please
visit our website to discover more.
We continue to enjoy our close relationship with the BIODYNAMIC ASSOCIATION, which is led by Robert Karp and whose
vibrant quarterly Biodynamics Journal is edited by Rebecca
Briggs. Consider joining this organization, online at www.
biodynamics.com. The importance of their work with the
earth and their focus on healthy farms and food cannot be
overstated. We offer our readers books that the Biodynamic
Association has published over the years—many of which
are listed in the following pages, with more available on our
website at www.steinerbooks.org. We hope you enjoy the
excerpts included here from just a few of our new books.
A word about used books and free downloads: we all want
to save money when we buy something, and books are
no different. However, please keep in mind that buying
our books used—whether from online sellers or in bookstores—does not support the work of SteinerBooks or that
of the authors. We endeavor to set our prices as low as
possible, while also trying to cover, as much as possible, the
costs of translaitons, editing, printing, and distribution. The
only way we can recoup our production costs is by selling
books at retail prices, both directly and through retail book
sellers, as well as through donations from those who wish
to support the creation and publication of anthroposophic
and related books.
Nevertheless, the retail price of books does not completely cover our publishing expenses. The financial support
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St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. We also accept donations
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All best wishes,
Gene Gol logly
President & CEO, SteinerBooks
NOTE: prices and book information are subject to change • copyright © 2015 by SteinerBooks / Anthroposophic Press, Inc.
“ C u c u m b e r : V e g e t a b l e B i o g r a p h y ” b y J o e l M o r ro w
A
disciple of the great English gardener
Alan Chadwick once showed me
how to construct a cucumber mound. It
was not quite as large as the Indian burial
mound in Ohio, but it did involve digging a
pit big enough to bury a half barrel. At the
bottom, about three feet down, he placed
a thick 10-inch layer of sticks, stones, and
forest litter. This was followed by successive layers of compost, lime, leaf mold,
and soil; then coarse compost, followed
by finer compost mixed with soil, until the
pit had risen high—15 inches higher than
the surrounding garden.
Why do this? Why do I still recommend a
very modified version of this for home gardeners thirty years later? Because it works!
Chadwick’s French Intensive Method originated in market gardens around Paris in
the nineteenth century, and specialized
in getting extraordinary yields in limited
space. And that’s what a cucumber mound
should do. I’ve used a modified version for
cucumbers and for a half-acre of squash for
years, and I can tell you it really pays—in
size, color, yield, and taste. It pays because,
unlike other methods, it provides a deep
reservoir that backs up the crop throughout the season. Roots quickly go deeper.
They establish strong plants before the
onslaught of insects. They remain almost
drought-proof. They produce longer, and
with less water than irrigated crops.
The Chadwick method addresses all the
conditions required by cucumber. The high
mound warms up early in spring. It is rich
in organic matter and compost. It contains
lime, and its pH tends toward neutral. It provides perfect drainage, even in prolonged
wet weather. Once the roots have reached
the depths of the easily permeated well, it
provides a steady supply of nutrients and
moisture, even during drought. Time lost
in mound construction is gained in minimal
irrigation, greater vigor (and therefore disease resistance), and higher yield—much,
much, higher yield.
My modified version of Chadwick’s urn
burial works almost as well, and it also
takes less time. I remove a disc of topsoil
about 30 inches across, 9 inches deep,
piling the topsoil to one side. I excavate a
2-foot by 2-foot hole, 1 foot deep, and pile
that subsoil on the opposite side. I backfill the subsoil mixed with a few shovelfuls of half-rotted organic matter, usually
half-rotted hardwood leaves. I put back
the topsoil, mixed with 2 heaping shovelfuls of compost.
I suppose cucumbers are so fragile
because we grow them so far from their
place of origin, the warm valleys of India
between the Bay of Bengal and the foothills of the Himalayas. Cucumbers are one
of the oldest garden vegetables; their
history disappears into prehistory more
than 3,000 years ago. They were grown
for thousands of years before most of
the world knew what a garden is. In fact,
cucumber is so old that its wild ancestor
became extinct in prehistoric times. By
the dawn of written history, cucumber
had reached China and Italy, where the
Romans even grew forced cukes out of
season. (The Emperor Tiberius had to
have cucumbers for lunch every day of
the year.) Columbus planted cukes in Haiti
in 1494, and by 1539 Desoto reported that
Florida natives were growing cucumbers
better than those of Spain.*
C u lt u r e
With all of the cucumber, melon, and
squash family (the cucurbitae), the size
and quality of the crop depend upon the
health of the leaves and vines. Hence the
deep mound. Leaves must grow quickly
and suffer no early checks in growth from
striped or spotted cucumber beetles and
the wilt they transmit. The plants never
recover from early damage to leaves. The
white powder of two fungus diseases,
downy and powdery mildew, obstruct
photosynthesis and reduce yield. Use
potassium bicarbonate or biofungicide for
control. The dark green outer skin of the
cucumber is actually a green leaf wrapping around the fruit, a continuation of
the health and functioning of the leaves
themselves. To stimulate leaf growth, use
half-ripe compost in the cucumber hills.
Biodynamic growers cultivate and spray
silica (501) and equisetum (508) on leaf
days. Leaves benefit from liquid seaweed
and nettle or alfalfa tea. To prevent damage from cucumber beetles (which also
transmit bacterial wilt), use row cover.
Home gardeners sometimes make cages
out of old fly screen. Both should be wide
enough for vines to grow several feet in all
directions before removal. Bury edges to
keep beetles out.
*
Vegetable Gardening for Organic
and Biodynamic Growers
JOEL MORROW
Biographies of over 70 vegetables, with
detailed accounts of how to grow them,
their climate of origin, their transformation over time, and their nutritional
and therapeutic potential
J
oel Morrow began writing down his
vegetable “biographies”—scribbled in
the margins of a planting calendar—when
his first garden teacher, Margareta Leuder,
“described how as a child she had raised
watermelon in the Sonoran desert in 1905.”
In the 1980s, Joel became editor of the
journal Biodynamics. In it, he began his
interviews with vegetables, which have
continued for 30 years. This book is the
result of those “biographies.” As he tell us,
“Though these biographies are arranged
alphabetically for convenience [from Asian
Brassicas to Winter Squash], each chapter
reflects my own changing point of view,
depending on the date of interview. Some
begin historically, some morphologically,
and some so imaginatively they seem to
reawaken Margareta’s childhood shamanism, which became beautifully elaborated
through Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual view of
nature, the foundation of biodynamics.”
This book is not only a gardening guide; it
also guides the reader inwardly to perceive
a vegetable as “a work of art, a journey, a
rite of passage into the natural world.” Vegetable Gardening for Organic and Biodynamic
Growers is destined to become not just a
perennially useful guide, but also a favorite
bedside book.
ISBN: 9781584201670
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$35.00
7 x 10 inches, 382 pages
W. H. Camp and V. R. Boswell, The World in Your
Garden (National Geographic Society, 1957.)
2 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
f rom Vegetabl e G ard ening for Organic an d Biodyn amic Growers
For extra-early crops, cucumbers must
be sown under glass 4 to 5 weeks before
the last frost date in spring. Biodynamic cultural practices are similar for muskmelons,
watermelons, and squash. Since cukes cannot be pricked out, use 3-inch peat pots, 3
seeds to the pot, each filled with sifted compost and sandy loam, half and half. Germinate at 75ºF soil temperature and keep day
temperatures above 70ºF, at night above
60ºF. Plants may elongate as they struggle
for light, get checked in growth, and later
become sunburned outside, which causes
them to fail. Thin the weakest of the three
seedlings. Commercial potting mixes can
be improved with compost or fermented
nettle or seaweed tea after the true leaf
appears. Biodynamic growers spray with
silica (501) and equisetum weekly. When
transplanting, don’t break out the bottom
of the pot. Cucumbers don’t tolerate root
disturbance. If the season is cooler than
normal, pre-warm the soil with black plastic at least a week before setting out. The
shock of cold soil and bright sun can cut
production in half. Cool nights cause blossom drop. Protect extra-early crops with
heavy row covers or hot caps. Wire screen
cages for insect control can also be covered
with slatted plastic to increase temperature. Cucumber beetles are most intense
in early summer, from June 15 to July 15 in
New England. Unprotected transplants can
be sprayed with a neem preparation before
setting in the field, and then sprayed weekly
until vines begin to run.
On a field scale, row covers are the only
pesticide-free solution, especially when
direct-seeding. Some of the benefits of
mound preparation can be achieved by
creating well composted, raised rows.
For good germination, soil temperature
must be above 65ºF, best between 70 and
80ºF. Seed rots below 50ºF. In cool spring
weather, black plastic can be set out two
weeks in advance of sowing to warm the
soil for cucumber and melons. If possible
choose a well-drained sandy loam with a
southern exposure.
For unprotected direct-seeding, wait
until 2 weeks after the last spring frost.
Note that for every region there is an
optimal time for outdoor cucumber seeding, which allows unprotected seedlings a
bit of a start before the cucumber beetle
breeding onslaught begins. Plant seeds 2
to 3 inches apart, ½ inch deep in rows 6
feet apart. Thin to 9 to 12 inches between
plants. Obviously, denser sowings require
more fertilizer. Biodynamic silica sprays
can continue after true leaves develop
through first fruit set. When using openpollinated or susceptible varieties, spray
equisetum and potassium bicarbonate at
first sight of whitish mildew. Bees improve
fruit set. Commercial growers provide
one beehive per acre. When affected by
drought, cucumbers will be stunted and
short. Remove all the short fruit and irrigate for the new fruit set.
Cucumbers can be harvested and eaten
at all stages of maturity prior to yellowing,
although eating quality varies from variety
to variety. Burpee Pickler, for example, is
surprisingly good even when far beyond
pickle stage. Optimum size for thin-skinned
hybrids is 4 to 5 inches, not the usual 8 to
9 inches for slicers. Asian, Armenian, and
English Telegraph types grow extremely
long by nature, with best quality at under
2 inches in diameter. Long cucumbers are
often trellised for straighter fruit. All harvested cucumbers have a short storage life,
a few weeks under refrigeration at best.
For best quality pickles, cucumbers should
move from field to jar as quickly as possible.
To save open-pollinated cucumber seed,
choose two or three healthy looking, dark
green fruits from very healthy vines during
about midseason. Early fruits are weaker
in seed formation. Remove all the other
fruits and flowers from that plant. Let the
chosen fruits vine ripen to yellow orange;
it’s no problem if they over-ripen and get
soft. Scrape out the seeds and allow them
to ferment in a crock for a few days with
a small amount of water. When stirred,
the viable seeds will sink. Wash the good
seeds, dry thoroughly on a screen and
store in a dry place.
Va r i e t i e s
Cucumber varieties fall into nine or more
types: picklers, table slicers, burpless,
Asian, Armenian, Middle Eastern, French,
dwarf, novelty, and European greenhouse.
Disease resistance varies greatly, indicated
by the following initials:
•
•
DM (downy mildew): this white cottony mold cuts production and may
kill vines.
PM (powdery mildew): spotty powder
on the leaves cuts production, causes
•
•
•
•
plants to wither, fruits to sunscald and
ripen prematurely.
CMV (cucumber mosaic virus): mottled
curled leaves, yellowing, and loss of
production. CMV overwinters in many
perennial weeds: catnip, milkweed,
ragweed, burdock, mints, and so forth.
AN (anthracnose): causes sunken
spots on leaves and fruit. ALS (angular
leaf spot): fungal spots on leaves.
S (scab): brown scabs on leaves, oozing spots on fruit.
B (bacterial wilt): there is no resistance. Spread by cucumber beetles;
causes wilted plants, sticky ooze
from leaves. Use row covers to deter
the vector.
•
SEED: An ounce of seeds (average 1,000)
sows about 130 hills at 8 seeds per
hill, or about 220 feet of raised row
at 5 seeds per foot. A packet of 100
open-pollinated seeds sows 12 hills, or
about 20 feet of raised row at 5 seeds
per foot. A packet of 30 hybrid seeds
sows 4 to 6 hills.
GERMINATION: 80%; 10 days at 70ºF; 7 days
at 80ºF. Minimum soil temp. 65ºF.
VIABILITY: 5 years.
DAYS TO HARVEST: 50 to 65 days.
ROTATION: 3 years between all members
of the squash family, cucurbitae. Some
diseases are shared with nightshades.
MOON CALENDAR: Sow on fruit days. Cultivations, foliar, and biodynamic sprays
in leaf. Harvest on fruit days.
BIODYNAMIC SPRAYS: Horn manure (500)
on flat soil and/or field. Silica (500) at
least once on greenhouse plants. Compost tea with a pinch of 500 to water
peat pots at transplanting. Silica after
second true leaf, when vines begin to
run, or at first flowering and at fruit
set. Equisetum (508) and valerian
(507) in extended wet weather.
COMPANION PLANTS: Dill planted thickly
in cucumber mounds; also tansy, catnip, yarrow, castor bean, wormwood,
nasturtium, mints, and marigold to
deter flea beetle. Zucchini and radish
seedlings are preferred by beetles.
•
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 3 New Books
Developing the Self
Through the Inner Work Path
in the Light of Anthroposophy
How the Spiritual World Projects
into Physical Existence
The Influence of the Dead
LISA ROMERO
RUDOLF STEINER
“Through taking hold of all that lives
in us, we participate consciously in
the transformation of our particular
personal self—which is often closed
to higher insights—toward a greater
possibility of experiencing a living,
dynamic spiritual life that awakens our
being and serves the progression of
the world in which we live.”
—Lisa Romero
10 lectures, various cities, Jan.–Dec. 1913 (CW 150)
T
he foundation of Western esotericism
is understanding the evolution of
consciousness. Anthroposophic esoteric
training focuses on strengthening the
human soul. Ancient and modern practices
are reenlivened to meet evolving human
needs and to fulfill our task of cultivating
freedom and love to its highest degree.
Individual effort toward developing the
higher self is essential for true progress on
the inner work path.
The clear insights and exercises outlined
in this book reveal the meaning and necessity of this essential effort in the present
age of the consciousness soul, contributing to simultaneously enlivening both our
inner and outer work. The path of developing the self and our work in the world
are not separated but united through our
practices and their results.
LISA ROMERO is a homeopath and adult educator who
has applied Anthroposophy
to her practice since 1990.
Her current focus is teaching inner development and
anthroposophic meditation.
ISBN: 9781621481232
Paperback, SteinerBooks
$17.00
5 x 8 inches, 150 pages
Awake! For the Sake of the Future
RUDOLF STEINER
12 lectures, Dornach, January 5–28, 1923 (CW 220)
Translation and introduction by Jann W. Gates
T
RUDOLF STEINER (1861–
1925) based his spiritual
teaching (Anthroposophy)
on direct perception and
knowledge of spiritual
worlds. Based on this, he
offered suggestions for the renewal of
education, agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, and much more. Steiner
wrote and lectured, he and founded the
General Anthroposophical Society, which
today has branches throughout the world.
he implications of the anthroposophic
worldview are both primary and farreaching. Steiner’s work not only suggests
the need for a fundamental change of
our deeply ingrained tendency to accept
passively the received wisdom of staid
conventionality, it also provides the concrete framework to awake to reality in an
entirely new way. In short, this work and
its implications are, therefore, both radical
and possibly quite powerful. If this were
not true, Anthroposophy would have no
real impact and no real enemies. However,
this has not been the case.
On New Year’s Eve 1922/23, the Goetheanum—an architectural marvel and the
“House of the Word” intended to stand as
the fully realized physical, artistic embodiment of Anthroposophy on Earth—was
destroyed by an arsonist. This was an
immeasurably heavy blow to Steiner and to
the anthroposophic movement. Afterward,
however, he was adamant that not a single
lecture or event scheduled to take place at
the destroyed Goetheanum should be canceled or postponed. He himself carried on
with an even more determined—indeed,
fiery—resolve.
The course of lectures in this book began
on January 5, 1923, as living testament to
that resolve. As truly relevant today as they
were in 1923—probably more so—this volume is an exceptionally urgent, heartfelt
articulation of what could be considered
Steiner’s core message and plea to modern
humanity—simply put, for the sake of the
future, wake up!
ISBN: 9781855844049
Paperback, Rudolf Steiner Press
$27.00
6 x 9 inches, 150 pages
ISBN: 9781621481058
Paperback, SteinerBooks
$25.00
6 x 9 inches, 246 pages
Introduction by Margaret Jonas
Translated by Anna Meuss
D
eath is a predominant topic. Steiner
explains how people on Earth can
reach the dead in a non-mediumistic
way and how such interaction between
the so-called living and dead is mutually
beneficial. He states that people who do
not recognize the being of Lucifer during
their earthly life will be “vampirized” by
that being after passing through the gate
of death. He also discusses the activities of
adversarial beings that play a needed role
in Earth’s evolution and how we can counteract them. The longer we can stay alive,
for example, the greater the victory over
Ahriman’s activity. Even losing one’s teeth
has beneficial aspects, allowing us to “gain
certain impulses, and these overcome Ahriman.” Steiner also relates the actions of
such spiritual entities to child development,
indicating the influences in the seven-year
cycles of growth and development.
4 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
New Books
Biodynamic, Organic,
and Natural Winemaking
Sustainable Viticulture and Viniculture
BRITT KARLSSON & PER KARLSSON
T
his comprehensive book by two
renowned wine experts explains the
rules—what to do and what not to do—in
organic, biodynamic, and natural wine
production, whether outside in the vineyard or in the wine cellar. It lays out clearly
what a vintner is allowed to do, including
processes, additives, and chemicals, and
looks at the potential long-term benefits
of switching to organic or biodynamic.
BRITT and PER KARLSSON are wine journalists from Sweden who live in Paris, where
they run BKWine. Each year they visit more
than 200 wineries around the world and
lead wine tastings, seminars, and courses.
In 2011, Britt Karlsson was named Wine Personality of the Year by the world’s biggest
wine tasting association, Munskänkarna.
ISBN: 9781782501138
Paperback, Floris Books
$24.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 64 pages
Healing Plants
Herbal Remedies, from Traditional
to Anthroposophical Medicine
MARKUS SOMMER
R
osemary, mint, and onions are commonly found in kitchens, but physician Markus Sommer asserts that cooking
makes use of only one aspect of such plants.
In this illustrated, readable book, he vividly
describes their full characteristics, helping
the reader to understand their real nature.
Dr. Sommer discusses the properties of
more than thirty plants. For example, did
you know that St. John’s wort is good not
only for depression, but also heals wounds?
Plantain is good for coughs and is effective
in treating strokes and multiple sclerosis.
He demonstrates the deep connection
between the character of each plant and the
conditions it can cure or alleviate.
MARKUS SOMMER was born in 1966 and
studied medicine in Munich, where he is a
general physician. His experience includes
internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics,
neurology, and the practical application of
homeopathic and anthroposophic medicine. He has written several books about
the healing power of plants.
ISBN: 9781782500575
Paperback, Floris Books
$29.95
6 x 9¼ inches, 352 pages
The Light Root
Nutrition of the Future:
A Spiritual-Scientific Study
RALF ROESSNER
With Clemens Hildebrandt
R
oessner began to research “light root”
and its background, but discovered
problems with the specimens in Europe.
In 2002 he traveled to China, where he
was able to form a comprehensive picture
of the best planting methods and conditions. “The nodules I found and brought
back with me,” he writes, “showed similar
light ether characteristics to the original
plants” of Steiner’s close colleague Guenther Wachsmuth.
Having successfully cultivated and marketed this light root, Roessner presents
some carefully assembled introductory
materials based on his experiences and
those of a colleague.
This small book, illustrated with color
images, is intended for people who wish
to discover more about the being and
spiritual mission of “light root” (Dioscera
batatas) as an “aid to progress.” Biodynamic farmer Ralf Roessner explains how
the light root stores “light ether” in a
unique way, making it not only a valuable
food, but also a “carrier of the spirit.”
This light root could even “decisively
influence the development of humanity
and the Earth.”
In addition to esoteric studies, he
answers frequently asked, practical questions about the plant and its cultivation.
ISBN: 9781906999636
Paperback, Temple Lodge
$16.00
5¼ x 8½ inches, 48 pages
Illustrated in Color
The Illusion of Separation
Exploring the Cause of our Current Crises
GILES HUTCHINS
O
ur modern patterns of thinking and
learning are all based on observing a
world of “things” that we think of as separate building blocks. This worldview allows
us to quantify phenomena without considering their innate value; it provides neat
definitions and a sense of control in life.
However, this approach also sets us apart
from one another and from nature. In reality, in nature, everything is connected in a
fluid, dynamic way.
“Separateness” is an illusion we have created and is becoming a dangerous delusion
that infects how we relate to business, politics, and those around us. Hutchins argues
that today`s social, economic, and environmental issues spring from the misguided
way we see and construct our world. With
roots in ancient wisdom, this insightful
book offers an easy-to-follow exploration
of the roots of our current crises, as well as
solutions to those issues.
GILES HUTCHINS has twenty year’s business experience as a management consultant for KPMG and as Global Director of
Sustainability for Atos International. He
speaks and writes on the transformation
to new business methods. He is also the
author of The Nature of Business.
ISBN: 9781782501275
Paperback, Floris Books
$35.00
6¼ x 9¼ inches, 160 pages
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 5 New Books
Life Forces – Formative Forces
Holonomics
Saucy Tomatoes and Blueberry Thrills
Researching the Formative Energy
of Life and Growth
Business Where People and Planet Matter
A Humorous Harvest from the Biodynamic Farm
SIMON ROBINSON & MARIA MORAES ROBINSON
JOHN BLOOM
DORIAN SCHMIDT
Foreword by Satish Kumar
Is farming funny (punny)?
Biodynamic farming?
Introduction by David Martin
“A manifesto for mindful living.”
chmidt describes a series of exercises
—Satish Kumar
that can help us extend our ability to
usinesses around the world are facing
perceive the nature of living things. He
rapidly changing economic and social
offers a clear account of the methodology
situations. Business leaders and managand describes discoveries that illustrate
ers must be ready to respond and adapt
observations of living forces.
in new, innovative ways. The authors of
Scientists are bringing new ideas to our
this groundbreaking book argue that busiunderstanding of life, ranging from refined
ness people must adopt what they call a
models based on neo-Darwinism through
“holonomic” way of thinking, as well as a
Creationist ideas. Within this broad specdynamic and authentic understanding of
trum, Intelligent Design (ID) occupies a
the relationships within a business system
religiously neutral middle position.
and an appreciation of the whole. ComplexSchmidt’s approach also seeks insight
ity and chaos should not be feared; they
into the nature of living things, and his
are the foundation of successful business
theoretical explorations are close to ID.
structures and economics.
However, his ideas differ fundamentally
Holonomics presents a new worldview in
from all such approaches, since they try to
which economics and ecology harmonize.
reveal new facts by developing new capaciUsing real-world case studies and practical
ties of perception rather than resting on
exercises, the authors guide the reader to
classic models of scientific cognition.
a new, holistic approach to business and
The development and use of organs of
toward a more sustainable future in which
perception that extend beyond the ordiboth people and planet matter.
nary senses are taken up in a rigorously
SIMON ROBINSON is a teacher of innovascientific conscious and critical way. Deep
scrutiny of critical thinking is, in fact, pre- tion, strategy, and complexity. He holds a
Master’s in Holistic Science from Schumcisely what cultivates progress in this area.
acher College, UK.
DORIAN SCHMIDT starts from his own
deep connection with nature as a bio- MARIA MORAES ROBINSON is an econodynamic gardener. He has worked with
mist, consultant, teacher, and lecturer on
The Institute for Biodynamic Research in
the economics of happiness and human
Germany and The Widar Research Institute
values in education. She is the coauthor
in Switzerland. He has published articles
of Strategy Management and The Strategic
and books and leads workshops with his
Activist.
coworker and wife, Antje Schmidt.
S
B
ISBN: 9781907359330
Paperback, Hawthorn Press
$35.50
6 x 9 inches, 248 pages
ISBN: 9781782500612
Paperback, Floris Books
$29.95
6 x 9 inches, 192 pages
I
n this lively and wide-ranging selection
of twenty-five short vignettes, John
Bloom muses amusingly on, if not all, then
many things under the sun.
Beginning with an inquiring mind, a
sharp wit, and a vegetable (in that order),
Mr. Bloom bounds from the biodynamic soil
of Live Power Farm CSA in California, glides
through literature, art, language, and history (all vegetable-related, of course), and
lands back down in the rich compost of
possibility. Inspired, above all, by his deep
appreciation for the CSA model (and the
food such farms produce), this collection,
informative but lighthearted, points the
way toward a more healthful future: from
good food and humor, more good things
will come.
JOHN BLOOM is Director of Organizational Culture at RSF Social Finance in
San Francisco. As part of his work at RSF,
he develops educational programs that
address the intersection of money and
spirit in personal and social transformation. He currently writes a blog (www
.transformingmoney.blogspot.com). John
Bloom has founded two non-profits and
served as a trustee on several, including
Yggdrasil Land Foundation. He has worked
with more than a hundred non-profit organizations in capacity building and cultural
change. He leads workshops and lectures
and has written extensively on education,
the economics of a biodynamic CSA, and
about money and philanthropy. He lives in
San Francisco.
ISBN: 9781621481140
Paperback, SteinerBooks
$11.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 134 pages
6 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
New Books
Nutrition for Enlightened Parenting
Stargazers’ Almanac 2015
Journal for Star Wisdom 2015
Initiation through Foods
A Monthly Guide to the Stars and Planets
ROBERT POWELL, EDITIOR
MARIE-LAURE VALANDRO
BOB MIZON
D
o we take in food consciously and
eat to live? Do we take in food unconsciously and live to eat? What really happens when we digest our food? What really
feeds us? Should we eat meat or no meat?
How about raising our children?
In Nutrition for Enlightened Parenting,
Marie-Laure Valandro draws on her deep
study of Rudolf Steiner and Spiritual Science, as well as on the works of Rudolf
Hauschka and Karl König, attempting to
bring greater consciousness to one of life’s
most common and vital activities—eating.
Food can be the object of instinct, desire,
obsession, and even fear. We all want to
be healthy in body and soul, and gaining
increased awareness of what we prepare
and put into our body can become a powerful path toward heightened consciousness. It is one key to taking charge of our
life and determining our destiny. Through
such an initiation, we can gain the power
to read the great Book of Nature through
the foods we eat, discovering what stands
behind those substances—the spiritual
within the material.
Illustrated in black and white.
MARIE-LAURE VALANDRO
was born in 1948 and spent
her childhood in Bourgogne,
Morocco, Algeria, and Brittany. She travels extensively,
writes, gardens, and studies
Anthroposophy.
ISBN: 9781584201694
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$25.00
6 x 9 inches, 210 pages
T
his beautiful monthly guide to the
night skies is designed specifically
for naked-eye astronomy—no telescope
required! It is ideal for beginners, children,
and all backyard astronomers. It is a popular gift—one that lasts through the whole
year.
Each monthly chart features two views
of the night sky, one looking north and
one south, as well as a visual guide to the
phases of the moon and the movements of
the planets. The notes include fascinating
insights into the science, history, folklore,
and myths of the stars and planets.
Stargazers’ Almanac 2015 also features:
• Advice on how to navigate the night
sky
• Overhead reference map of the sky
• Reference plan of constellations
• Glossary of constellations and Latin
names
• Glossary of brightness of stars
• Guide to the signs of the zodiac
and how they relate to the stars
• Loop and eyelet for easy wall hanging
• A sturdy cardboard gift envelope
Stargazers’ Almanac is endorsed by the
British Astronomical Association’s Campaign for Dark Skies. “Sky glow” affects
nearly all night skies in today’s Western
world, with the result that the beauty of our
starlit skies, twilight, and emerging dawn
are drowned out in an orange sodium glow.
The almanac is suitable for astronomy
enthusiasts throughout the Northern
Hemisphere’s temperate (non-tropical)
latitudes.
ISBN: 9781782501084
Wall Calendar, Floris Books
$25.00
16¾ x 12 inches, 64 pages
J
ournal for Star Wisdom includes articles
of interest concerning star wisdom
(Astrosophy), as well as a guide to the correspondences between stellar configurations during the life of Christ and those of
today. The journal includes a complete sidereal ephemeris and aspectarian, geocentric
and heliocentric, for each day throughout
the year.
This year’s journal features articles on
star wisdom by Robert Powell, Estelle
Isaacson, Claudia McLaren Lainson,
Richard Tarnas, Kevin Dann, and Nicholas
Kollerstrom, and on aspects of biodynamic
farming in connection with cosmic rhythms
by Brian Keats.
The monthly commentaries for 2015 by
Claudia McLaren Lainson are supported by
monthly astronomical previews provided
by Sally Nurney, which offer opportunities
to observe and experience the stellar configurations physically through the year.
ROBERT POWELL, PhD,
is an internationally
known lecturer, author,
eurythmist, and movement therapist. He is
the author of numerous
books, including The Mystery, Biography,
and Destiny of Mary Magdalene; The Most
Holy Trinosophia and the New Revelation of
the Divine Feminine; The Sophia Teachings;
and Chronicle of the Living Christ. He offers
workshops in Europe, Australia, and North
America, and leads pilgrimages to the
world’s sacred sites.
ISBN: 9781584201779
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$25.00
8¼ x 11 inches, 218 pages
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 7 Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
The North American Maria Thun
Biodynamic Calendar 2015
Agriculture
Agriculture Course
Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture
The Birth of the Biodynamic Method
8 lectures, plus discussions and an address
Koberwitz, Silesia, June 7–16, 1924 (CW 327)
8 lectures, Koberwitz, Jun 7–16, 1924 (CW 327)
MATTHIAS K. THUN
T
he 2015 calendar—now in its 53rd
year—is adapted for North American
dates and time (Eastern Standard Time) .
This useful guide shows the optimum days
for sowing, pruning, and harvesting various crops, as well as working with bees. It
includes Maria and Matthias Thun’s unique
insights, which go above and beyond the
conventional information presented in
many other lunar calendars.
The calendar, presented in color with
clear symbols and explanations, includes a
pullout wall chart for a handy quick reference. Also included is a memorial to Maria
Thun, who died in February 2012.
ISBN: 9781782501077
Paperback, Floris Books
$13.95
5¾ x 8¼ inches, 64 pages
Translated by Catherine E. Creeger
and Malcolm Gardner
COUNT ADALBERT VON KEYSERLINGK,EDITOR
I
n 1924 in Koberwitz at the estate of
Count and Countess Keyserlingk, Rudolf
Steiner gave the key course of lectures on
agriculture. This book will be of interest to
students of biodynamics and those interested in how Steiner worked to develop
Anthroposophy. It is compiled and edited
by the son of the hosts at the Koberwitz
conference.
ISBN: 9781906999056
Paperback, Temple Lodge
$30.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 240 pages
Preface by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer
Translated by George Adams
W
ith these talks, Steiner launched
his translation of the lectures in Kober“biodynamic” farming—a form of
witz is a fundamental text. It includes
agriculture that has come to be regarded as
four discussions by Steiner, color plates of
the best organically produced food. Steiner
Steiner’s chalk drawings, the address to the
speaks here of much more than “organic”;
members of the Agricultural Experimental
it works with the cosmos, the Earth, and
Circle, Steiner’s report to members of the
spiritual beings. He prescribes specific
Anthroposophical Society after the lectures, “preparations” for the soil, as well as other
his handwritten notes for the agriculture
distinct methods born from his profound
course, further agricultural indications by
understanding of the material and spiriSteiner, and “New Directions in Agriculture” tual worlds. He presents a comprehensive
by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer.
picture of the complex dynamic interrelationships in nature and indicates measures
ISBN: 9780938250371
Paperback, BFGA
needed to bring them into full play.
T
$19.50
6 x 9 inches, 327 pages
8 color blackboard drawings
The Birth of a New Agriculture
Koberwitz 1924 and
the Introduction of Biodynamics
RUDOLF STEINER
RUDOLF STEINER
The Agriculture Course,
Koberwitz, Whitsun 1924
Rudolf Steiner and the Beginnings of
Biodynamics
ISBN: 9781855841482
Paperback, Rudolf Steiner Press
$26.00
6 x 9 ¼ inches, 176 pages, color plates
Now
T
Audio Book
Agriculture Course Audio Book
The Birth of the Biodynamic Method
PETER SELG
he author highlights Steiner’s intentions for the course (and parallel
lectures in Breslau) by drawing on the
available literature and numerous archival
sources. The vivid picture he paints reveals
the importance that Steiner placed on
launching this work, as well as the extent
to which his initiative offered an answer to
the emerging forces of cultural and political destruction that would lead to World
War II.
an
RUDOLF STEINER
Read by Peter Bridgmont
T
his 10-CD audio edition is complete
and unabridged and read by respected
actor and speech teacher Peter Bridgmont,
author of Liberation of the Actor.
ISBN: 9781855843936
Audio edition, Rudolf Steiner Press
$44.00
Complete and unabridged, 10-cd set
ISBN: 9781906999087
Paperback, Temple Lodge
$26.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 208 pages
8 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
Bees
Koepf’s Practical Biodynamics
Weeds and What They Tell Us
8 lectures, Dornach, Feb.–Dec. 1924 (CW 348)
Soil, Compost, Sprays, and Food Quality
EHRENFRIED PFEIFFER
RUDOLF STEINER
Introduction by Gunther Hauk
Essay on the art of Joseph Beuys by David Adams
F
rom physical depictions of the daily
activities of bees to the most elevated
esoteric insights, these lectures describe
the unconscious wisdom of the beehive
and its connection to our experience of
health, culture, and the cosmos. Bees is
essential reading for understanding the
true nature of the honeybee and healing
the contemporary crisis of the beehive.
Bees includes an essay by David Adams,
“From Queen Bee to Social Sculpture: The
Artistic Alchemy of Joseph Beuys.”
ISBN: 9780880104579
Paperback, Anthroposophic Press
$25.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 240 pages, blackboard drawings
Wisdom of the Bees
HERBERT KOEPF
T
his book collects Koepf’s writings on
key aspects of biodynamics, including
practical guidance for building soil structure, preparing and applying biodynamic
sprays, crop rotation, and compost and
composting methods. The book also covers ways of researching the effectiveness
of biodynamic methods and measuring
results.
HERBERT KOEPF (1914–2007), a German
farmer, received a PhD in soil science. He
was director of Pfeiffer’s biodynamic
research laboratory in Spring Valley, New
York, and led the annual biodynamic agriculture course at Emerson College, England. He lectured widely and was head of
the Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum
in Switzerland. His other books include
Research in Biodynamic Agriculture (1993).
Principles for Biodynamic Beekeeping
ISBN: 9780863159268
Paperback, Floris Books
$19.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 176 pages
ERIK BERREVOETS
T
oday, more than eighty years after
Rudolf Steiner presented his lectures
on bees, we are confronted with a serious
decline of honeybees around the world.
This fact alone justifies this book, a practical and timely introduction to biodynamic
beekeeping. Berrevoets revisits those
seminal lectures and reexamines Steiner’s
observations and insights in the context of
today’s dire situation and provides advice
for modern beekeeping practices.
ERIK BERREVOETS has kept both native
Australian and European honeybees, reviving a family tradition that goes back at least
three generations. He lives in Australia.
ISBN: 9780880107099
Paperback, SteinerBooks
$18.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 152 pages
T
his book covers everything you need
to know about the types of plants
called weeds. Pfeiffer discusses the various kinds of weeds, how they grow, and
what they can tell us about soil health. The
process of combating weeds is discussed
in principle, as well as in practice, so that it
can be applied to any situation.
DR. EHRENFRIED PFEIFFER (1899–1961)
worked closely with Rudolf Steiner on the
effects of biodynamics. Pfeiffer visited the
U.S. several times during the 1930s, and
was awarded a doctorate for his groundbreaking theory of Sensitive Crystallization
Processes as a blood test for detecting
cancer. In 1940, he immigrated to the U.S.,
where he pioneered biodynamic agriculture and helped establish the Biodynamic
Farming & Gardening Association.
ISBN: 9780863159251
Paperback, Floris Books
$13.95
5 x 7¾ inches, 80 pages
Pfeiffer’s Introduction to Biodynamics
Gardening for Health and Nutrition
An Introduction to the Method of Biodynamic
Gardening
JOHN AND HELEN PHILBRICK
T
his book provides a simple and practical guide for the beginning gardener.
It deals with planning a vegetable garden:
how, when, and where to plant seeds;
tools; compost making; raised beds; crop
rotation; mulching; companion plants;
harvesting; cooking; and preserving your
harvest. Also included are sections on flowers, lawns, and home orchards.
ISBN: 9780880104036
Paperback, Anthroposophic Press
$15.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 112 pages
EHRENFRIED PFEIFFER
T
his short but comprehensive book is a
masterful collection of three key articles introducing the concepts, principles
and practice of the biodynamic method, as
well as an overview of its early history.
The book includes a short biography of
Ehrenfried Pfeiffer by Herbert H. Koepf.
Pfeiffer’s Introduction to Biodynamics was
previously published by the Biodynamic
Farming and Gardening Association as Biodynamics: Three Introductory Articles.
ISBN: 9780863158483
Paperback, Floris Books
$13.95
5 x 7¾ inches, 80 pages
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 9 Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
Culture and Horticulture
Queen of the Sun
Nature Spirits
The Classic Guide to
Biodynamic and Organic Gardening
What Are the Bees Telling Us?
Selected Lectures
TAGGART SIEGEL, EDITOR
RUDOLF STEINER
WOLF D. STORL
S
torl describes the history and philosophy of gardening from a biodynamic
perspective and offers a manual for working with nature’s forces, including how
to build fertile soil with compost and
biodynamic preparations; sowing seeds
and tending plants with nature’s rhythms;
setting up a favorable microclimate; and
storing fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
WOLF D. STORL, PhD, is an ethnobotanist
and the author of numerous books on
herbalism, natural medicine, and ethnobotany. He lives in Rohrdorf, Germany.
ISBN: 9781583945506
Paperback, North Atlantic Books
$21.95
6 x 9 inches, 416 pages
The Moon Gardener
T
his full-color book is based on Siegel’s
critically acclaimed film of the same
name. It expands on the film with a wealth
of articles, interviews, and poems, offering
unique philosophical and spiritual insights.
This uplifting anthology begins with an
account of how Siegel’s film came to be
made. It continues with articles, interviews,
and poems that offer unique philosophical
and spiritual insights. In addition to investigating many contributory causes of colony
collapse disorder, the author also offers
remedies and hope for the future.
ISBN: 9781905570348
Paperback, Clairview Books
$30.00
6¾ x 9¾ inches, 144 pages
PETER BERG
B
PETER BERG is a master gardener and
expert in lunar and biodynamic gardening.
He operates a nursery in Germany, consults
on gardening for television, and writes
articles for gardening magazines.
ISBN: 9781906999377
Paperback, Temple Lodge
$30.00
6½ x 9½ inches, 128 pages
teiner describes how people once possessed natural spiritual vision, enabling
them to commune with nature spirits.
Today, he says, the instinctive understanding that humanity once had for these elemental beings should be transformed into
clear scientific knowledge. He even asserts
that humanity will not be able to reconnect
with the spiritual world if it cannot develop
a new relationship to the elementals. The
nature spirits themselves want to be of
great assistance to us, acting as “emissaries of higher divine spiritual beings.”
ISBN: 9781855840188
Paperback, Rudolf Steiner Press
$25.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 208 pages
TAGGART SIEGEL, the awardwinning director of documentaries and dramas, including
The Real Dirt on Farmer John, is
cofounder of Collective Eye, a
nonprofit media organization.
A Biodynamic Guide to Getting
the Best from Your Garden
erg explains how subtle influences
from the cosmos affect plants, the
differences among and the significance of
“root,” “leaf,” “blossom,” and “fruit” days
in the gardening calendar. Understanding
these natural processes and the advice provided here can lead to productive, chemical-free gardening, and healthy plants.
S
The Biodynamic Farm
Agriculture in Service of the Earth and Humanity
HERBERT KOEPF
A
n essential reference for all farmers
and gardeners who wish to improve
the quality of life around them and the food
they serve their families. Koepf provides a
vast array of research data and results and
helpful details on animal feeding, crop
rotation, diseases, pests, and fertilizing.
ISBN: 9780880101721
Paperback, SteinerBooks
$30.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 260 pages
Wisconsin Hills Farm Stories
Adventures of a Biodynamic Farmer
MARIE-LAURE VALANDRO
I
n this collection of stories, the author
shares her adventures and insights from
her life and work on a 60-acre biodynamic
farm and garden in a small rural town
in eastern Wisconsin. With refreshing
imagery and observations, we further our
understanding and appreciation of the
plants and animals. Included are the words
of Rudolf Steiner, Peter Proctor, Dennis Klocek, Rudolf Hauschka, Wolf Storl,
Michael Lipson, and many others.
ISBN: 9781938685026
Paperback, Portal Books
$18.00
5 x 8 inches, 208 pages
10 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
Flowforms
Sensitive Chaos
Cooking for the Love of the World
The Rhythmic Power of Water
The Creation of Flowing Forms in Water and Air
Awakening Our Spirituality through Cooking
JOHN WILKES
THEODOR SCHWENK
ANNE-MARIE FRYER WIBOLTT
W
Preface by Jacques Cousteau
orking with his remarkable invention, the Flowform, Wilkes uncoveginning with the simple flowing pheered many mysteries of water and, in the
nomena of water and air, Schwenk
process, created an art of great beauty. His
gradually builds up, with the help of marlifetime of applied research into rhythms
velous photographs and drawings, the
and water, fully revealed here for the first “letters” of an alphabet that will allow us to
time, has startling implications for such “read” the living meaning of water.
topical issues as farming and irrigation;
Schwenk brings the spiritual, formative
food production and processing; water
processes to light, and we come to see
treatment and recycling; and health and
the Creative Word in the universe. This
cosmetic products. Illustrated in color.
is an important work for a deeper underISBN: 9780863153921
standing of a fundamental element of life.
Paperback, Floris Books
Illustrated in color.
B
$40.00
8 x 9¼ inches, 208 pages
Developments from the Work of Theodor Schwenk
& ANDREAS WILKENS
T
heodor Schwenk, the renowned
author of Sensitive Chaos, founded
the Institute for Flow Sciences in Germany.
He developed the “drop picture” method,
which photographically displays the characteristics of water for anyone to see and
understand. Today, the institute continues
his work and presents momentous discoveries about the quality of our drinking
water, groundwater, spring water, and
river water.
The authors of this stunningly illustrated
book—scientists at the Institute for Flow
Sciences—offer a unique view into the
world of water, helping us understand
one of the most essential elements of our
earthly life. Illustrated in color
ISBN: 9780863155406
Paperback, Floris Books
$25.00
8 x 9¼ inches, 112 pages
T
he author infuses cooking and eating
with deeply reverent and spiritual
consciousness. Food is placed within an
understanding of the earthly and cosmic
forces of plant life, and exquisite recipes
transform nature into the art of cooking.
ANNE-MARIE FRYER WIBOLTT is a Waldorf
class and kindergarten teacher, biodynamic
farmer, author, and natural-health counselor. With her husband, she coauthored a
series of ten books on health and nutrition.
ISBN: 9780977982554
Paperback, Goldenstone Press
$22.95
9 x 9 inches, 200 pages
ISBN: 9781855840553
Paperback, Rudolf Steiner Press
$40.00
8 x 9¼ inches, 232 pages
Understanding Water
MICHAEL JACOBI, WOLFRAM SCHWENK
Foreword by Robert Sardello
Food Full of Life
Energizing Water
Nourishing Body, Soul, and Spirit
Flowform Technology and the Power of Nature
JOCHEN SCHWUCHOW, JOHN WILKES
& IAIN TROUSDELL
R
esearch into energetic water quality—particularly into the creation of
molded surfaces that support biological
purification of the chemical and organic
elements and enliven the energetic attributes—goes back to the pioneering work
of George Adams and John Wilkes in the
1960s. Flowform technology advanced that
research, providing one of the first modern
biomimicry eco-technologies. This creative
technology applies nature’s best methods
to produce extraordinary results. This
book outlines the story of the research and
application of the flowform method today.
Illustrated in color.
ISBN: 9781855842403
Paperback, Rudolf Steiner Press
$29.00
6 x 9 inches, 128 pages
GILL BACCHUS
T
he author explores ideas from organics and biodynamics, including how
the Earth’s formative energies and sunlight
are essential to healthy plants and animals.
The living energy in our food is either
enhanced or destroyed by our methods
of farming, processing, and cooking. The
author states that the health of our bodies
and consciousness depends on nourishing
ourselves wisely with food that is “full of
life and light.”
GILL BACCHUS has been an educator in
organic and biodynamic farming and gardening for many years.
ISBN: 9780863159152
Paperback, Floris Books
$19.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 144 pages
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 11 “ L e a r n i n g t h e Tr a d e ” b y J o n a t h a n M i c h a e l C o d e
I
S p r i n g , 2013
t is getting on now into a new year of
growth and greenery, and spring has
most definitely sprung.
There is now some warmth in the sun
as it shines on my latest enterprise, which
I am undertaking on a table on the back
patio behind our house.
I am stuffing a stag’s
bladder with yarrow flowers . . . yes, a stag’s bladder.
With yarrow flowers.
Once stuffed I am going
to find a good sunny spot so
that I can hang it up throughout the coming summer and
then, when the next season
of mellow fruitfulness rolls
around, it will go into the
ground for the winter.
The well-stuffed bladder
comes out looking not at
all unlike a floral haggis, an
admittedly odd thing to hang in the sunlight for the coming months. But hey ho,
it’s worth a go!
This particular act of “preparation”
making began on an afternoon in early
autumn last year, when my wife, our two
girls, and I went down to the canal near
Frampton-on-Severn for one of our favorite weekend walks.
We often head out of the valleys in
which we live on a Sunday afternoon into
the open land adjacent to the Severn estuary for some big sky and to check out the
canal boats. We like to indulge ourselves in
a bit of wistfulness, imagining that canalside, narrowboat life would present a
simplification to the busy lives of work and
school that fill the week. It is also a great
destination to aim for in order to indulge
in that most English of rituals—tea time—
and throughout the warmer months a
great cream tea can be had in a Wonderland garden off the canal path, through a
hole in the hedge, with a beech-tree swing
for girls. . . .
Last autumn, while we were out on
one of our walks, we found our attention
drawn away from the boats lining the canal
and found ourselves enticed, instead, to
the hedgerows and verges that flank the
canal path.
Sloes were ready for picking, and elder
berries drooped darkly in thick bunches just
within arm’s reach. Clusters of blackberries
packed—if slightly odd—floral package
framed the fruity-autumnal scene, poised
ready to spend a summer in the sunlight.
amongst the far-reaching stalks of thorny
boughs.
Now, where shall I hang it? . . . While the others set to wild-harvesting
Faced with the conundrums presented
this rich abundance, I wandered off down
by the Oak Bark preparation I was inspired
the canal path to investigate its leafy banks. to dig a bit deeper. Taking this quite literally,
I was soon struck by the sight of tall
I began to make the preparations proposed
white flowers that everywhere reached out
by Rudolf Steiner in his Agriculture course.
upright and strong along the
Obtaining the different plant and animal
grassy banks on either side
components of the preparations is a stimuof the path and, on closer
lating process in itself. It is quite exhilaratinspection, recognized the
ing to encounter a plant in its native habitat,
unmistakable feathery leaf
to pick and harvest the plant, and to set it
and tightly clustered umbel
to dry ready for prep-making. When done
as part of a process aimed at enhancing
of a familiar flower . . .
soil vitality and the quality of life, there is
I first met this plant when
a sense of meaningful purpose that accoma fascination with the I Ching
gripped me many years ago. panies the harvest, even when one is at the
same time stepping into the unknown of a
I next came across it when
new undertaking.
making
compost
while
To hold in one’s hand a cow horn, a crysWWOOFing in New Zealand.
tal that is bound for crushing, or the subA small nut-sized portion of
lime geometry of yarrow is to
some dark looking
hold something both manifestly
substance had been mixed with
physical and stolidly material
humus and stuffed into a big pile
on the one hand, and—on the
of carefully layered compost.
other—objects of deep mystery
Intriguing, peculiar . . . taken on
and wonder.
as part of an overall openness
Whereas I found (and still
to encounters with the unfamilfind) the making of the prepaiar. Yarrow tea or tincture had
rations to be a central part of
found its way into the house at
learning about biodynamics and
one time or another to join other
its methods, there lingers for
medicines in the family medicine
me, within the practical tasks
cupboard.
of prep-making, echoes of the
But on that autumnal walk
Town Hall meeting and the quesalong the banks of the canal, I
tions that arose at that time.
met yarrow in a different way,
These revolve around the meaning of what
with a different set of considerations than
the biodynamic practitioner is engaged
divination or medication. This meeting
sparked in me the stirrings of a new mis- with in the making of preparations. Why a
sion—to collect the bright white umbels
skull? . . . and why the bark of a tree? . . . and
and to find myself a stag’s bladder.
why the particular choice of plant, and aniBy the day’s end I had a large bag stuffed
mal organs?
full of white flower heads.
How can all these parts of plants and
Throughout the winter the yarrow
deceased animals contribute anything to the
hung in cloth bags from the rafters of my “down-to-earth” tasks of producing food?
workshop and now, six months after that
The why and wherefore of the parcanal-side jaunt, I have retrieved the yar- ticular components of each preparation
row from its winter storage and found—to
described by Steiner (and for that matter,
my delight—that friend Ed had a stag’s
the why and wherefore of preparations
bladder to spare (!)
created since, or yet to be created) became
And so, with all the necessaries to hand— a central pursuit for me. This path pointed
and a sunny spring morning to spend—I
to questions not just of practicalities but
remove the dried flower heads from their
to the very core of our attitudes toward
stalks, dampen them with a tea made
nature and, for that “matter,” . . . of mind.
from yarrow blossoms and begin to stuff
This excursion into the work of Dr.
the bladder. Before long I have a nicely
Lorand pointed toward two things. On the
12 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
f rom Mu ck an d Min d : En c ounte ring Bi odyn ami c Ag ri cult ure : An Al ch emi c al Journey
to me as a school boy in Southern Ontario,
one hand, it helped make comprehensible
were taught in such a way as to seem
the experience I had during the Town Hall
meeting that the speakers had not “met.” “free” of epistemological considerations.
This omission was clearly essential in the
They had presented their perspectives, and
early years of my formal education—as an
these perspectives contrasted with each
engagement with epistemology requires a
other so poignantly because what was not
certain maturity of cognitive development
explicit was that each perspective arose
and self-reflective capacity.
from a different paradigm, a way of seeing
It is quite remarkable, however, that
which was not made visible. This crucial
once we emerge as self-reflective learners,
aspect of the different speakers’ points of
Muck and Mind
epistemology as a subject of study is still
view remained hidden.
not generally engaged with alongside the
The second outcome of my encounter
Encountering Biodynamic Agriculture:
with Lorand’s work was a reminder that, actual subject matter of the sciences, mediAn Alchemical Journey
cal disciplines, politics, and economics—
along with the practical engagement with
JONATHAN MICHAEL CODE
which are powerful shaping influences in
the burying of ground crystals in horns
and the stuffing of bladders with the
all of our lives. . . .
o comprehend life, something is
flowers of Achillea millefolium, I would do
Take, for instance, the fact that we
desperately needed—a fundamental
well—in seeking to understand the bio- have, on any given day, access to any
shift in our approach, one that seeks to
dynamic preparations—to pick up one of
number of accounts of events in both
comprehend the qualities of the living
these core elements of the paradigmatic
the human and natural worlds that pose
organism as a whole, and in relation to its
analysis undertaken by Lorand—that of
serious threats to the integrity of social
whole environment, which extends, ultiepistemology—and to see what light a
and ecological systems. In many of these
mately, to the outer limits of the cosmos.
study of epistemology could shed on the
examples, concerted effort is expended
This fundamental shift in approach is at
new approaches to farming and gardening
to ameliorate, mitigate, or diffuse these
the heart of biodynamic agriculture, the
proposed by Steiner.
potential threats—the creation of modi- qualitative opposite of the genetically
fied pigs or biodynamic preparations, for
manipulative approach to agriculture, or
Th e A r t o f K n o w i n g
instance. However, in seeking the source of “factory farming.” However, whereas the
Epistemology, also known as “theory of
the evident dissonances experienced in our
practical differences between these two
knowledge,” is generally regarded as a
everyday lives and activities, we could ask:
approaches are profound, the real issue is
branch of philosophy concerned with
How often is an investigation of our “con- not the details of methods, but the modes
understanding the act of knowing. By
ventional epistemology” undertaken? How
of consciousness behind those methods.
posing questions such as “how do we
often do we investigate and reevaluate the
This book arose from an engagement
know what we know?,” “how is knowledge
very epistemological roots that inform our
with core aspects of the biodynamic
acquired?” and “what is knowledge?” an
individual and cultural actions?
approach to land stewardship and a deeper
epistemological enquiry directs attention
In contemporary Western cultural life, understanding for how working with the
to the very activity that lies at the root
the disciplined engagement with philoso- land, plants, and animals may be a catalyst
of all sciences, arts and—in fact—to the
phy and epistemology has largely become
not only for the transformation of comfoundation of our everyday cognitive activholed up in university departments, often
post and soil, but also for a transformation
ity. Addressing as it does the very nature
as specialized branches of the humanities
of consciousness.
of how we know the world, and ourselves,
undertaken by professional academics.
JONATHAN CODE, a native of Canada,
the question could be asked when considOnly very rarely do we find mention of the
lives in the UK since he began working
ering the field of epistemology whether we
“cutting edge” discoveries in the realms of
with
Ruskin Mill College in Nailsworth,
are dealing with merely a branch of the disepistemology outside of these specialized
Gloucestershire.
He contributed to the
cipline of philosophy (and something best
domains. When, for instance, do we hear
development
of
Ruskin
Mill Trust (RMT)
left to philosophers) or something of much
politicians making reference to important
and
its
work
with
Crossfields
Institute. He
more far-reaching importance. I have come,
philosophical points of view that are being
is
now
a
Program
Leader
in
Practical
Skills
through my own delving into this realm, to
considered in the shaping of policy—of
Therapeutic
Education
at
Crossfields.
Jonathrow in my lot with the latter.
peoples lives? It is instead the authority of
than has a deep interest in Consciousness
The context for
science that is often called upon in contemStudies, Western Esotericism, the natural
porary political discourse or decision-makepistemological enquiry
sciences, and education. He has taught
In my own experience of formal education, ing, no longer the authority of the church
practical chemistry, phenomenology, and
and certainly not the authority arising from
epistemology as a subject of study had
nature study to learners of all ages.
little to no attention, its formal engage- self or collective epistemological reflection.
ISBN: 9781621481102
ment only arising in my mid-twenties. It
•
Paperback, SteinerBooks
was in fact generally the case that all of
$25.00
the subjects—mathematics, history, sci6 x 9 inches, 280 pages
ence, language, arts—which were taught
T
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 13 Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
The Demeter Cookbook
The Biodynamic Food and Cookbook
Biodynamic Gardening
Recipes Based on Biodynamic Ingredients
Real Nutrition that Doesn’t Cost the Earth
For Health and Taste
From the Kitchen of the Lukas Klinik
WENDY E. COOK
HILARY WRIGHT
HERMANN SPINDLER
T
his “official” Demeter Cookbook presents more than 200 recipes developed
and collected by the Swiss Chef Hermann
Spindler. Included are tempting recipes
for sauces, soups, hors d’oeuvres, salads,
main dishes, puddings, and desserts. It also
features special recipes for casseroles and
gratins, vegetables, quark (curd cheese)
dishes, grain dishes, doughs, savory and
sweet pastries, muesli, and drinks—interspersed with informative commentary on
the value of spices.
HERMANN SPINDLER offers cooking
classes in Switzerland and Italy and leads
an apprenticeship course at the Lukas
Clinic in Arlesheim.
ISBN: 9781902636962
Hardcover, Temple Lodge
$40.00
6¾ x 9¼ inches, 272 pages
Louise’s Leaves
I
T
WENDY COOK writes and speaks on nutritional issues. She is also the author of So
Farewell Then: The Biography of Peter Cook.
HILARY WRIGHT is an experienced biodynamic gardener who feels passionately
that biodynamic techniques have made a
difference in her garden.
llustrated with hundreds of color photographs, this book explains the principles
behind biodynamic methods and places it
in the context of food and cooking through
the ages. Cook takes us through the seasons with more than 150 recipes based on
many years of working with biodynamic
nutrition. She considers the ethics of food,
the foundation of a balanced diet, and conjures up the color and vibrancy of Mallorca,
with sections on breads, sauces, salads,
desserts, drinks, and more.
ISBN: 9781905570010
Paperback, Clairview
$39.00
8¼ x 11¾ inches, 256 pages
he ideas behind biodynamics can
sometimes be difficult to explain and
seem strange to those new to these techniques. Hilary Wright, an experienced and
passionate biodynamic gardener, guides
the novice through the key points, while
never losing sight of the ultimate goal—a
healthy, abundant garden. Easy-to-follow,
step-by-step illustrations, explanatory diagrams, and color photographs show how
biodynamic techniques can work for your
garden. Color throughout.
ISBN: 9780863156960
Paperback, Floris Books
$35.00
8¼ x 10¼ inches, 144 pages
Foodwise
The Biodynamic Year
Understanding What We Eat and How It Affects Us
The Story of Human Nutrition
Increasing Yield, Quality and Flavour
WENDY E. COOK
100 Helpful Tips for the Gardener or Smallholder
MARIA THUN
LOUISE FRAZIER helped develop Sunways
CSA farm in Housatonic, Massachusetts,
and has managed the Hawthorne Valley
Farm Dining Hall in Harlemville, New York.
ook presents a remarkable cornucopia of challenging ideas, advice, and
commentary, informed by the seminal
work of Steiner. She begins with glimpses
into her experience with food and how it
has influenced her life. She continues with
the journey of human evolution, relating it
to changes in consciousness and food consumption. She also considers the importance of agricultural methods, human
nature, the significance of grasses and
grains, the mystery of human digestion,
and the issue of vegetarianism.
ISBN: 9780938250500
Paperback, Biodynamic Literature
$12.95
6 ¾ x 11 inches, 84 pages
ISBN: 9781905570232
Paperback, Clairview
$34.00
6½ x 9½ inches, 352 pages
A Cook’s Journal around the Calendar
with Local Garden Vegetable Produce
LOUISE FRAZIER
L
ouise Frazier draws from years of experience running a gourmet vegetarian
restaurant. Her book makes a wonderful
complement to a CSA share, a celebration
of the four seasons and harvest, and a valuable a guide to good nutrition and flavor.
C
A
preeminent expert in biodynamic
methods of cultivation, or “premium
organic,” collected more than a hundred
of her best gardening tips from fifty years’
research. She covers abundant and flavorful crop production; special preparations
to transform the soil and plants; how the
moon affects planting and growth; the
differences among root, leaf, blossom,
and fruit plants; ideal methods for storing
foods; and much more. Color throughout.
ISBN: 9781906999148
Paperback, Temple Lodge
$30.00
6½ x 9½ inches, 128 pages
14 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
Stella Natura 2015
The Biodynamic Farm
The Biodynamic Orchard Book
Biodynamic Planting Calendar:
Planting Charts and Thought-Provoking Essays
Developing a Holistic Organism
EHRENFRIED PFEIFFER & MICHAEL MALTAS
SHERRY WILDFEUER, EDITOR
T
his Calendar offers an introduction
to astronomy, a basic ephemeris, a
planting guide, a star map, an aid for following the planets in the night sky, and
articles by nine authors. The charts show
how the forces in lunar and planetary
rhythms are connected with the growth and
development of the plants we tend. They
also explain how we can work with these
rhythms to enhance their productivity.
SHERRY WILDFEUER is a member of
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, Pennsylvania, and has edited Stella Natura Calendar
since 1978. She also edited Journal for
Anthroposophy for three years.
ISBN: 9780985365844
Wall Calendar, Camphill Kimberton
$14.95
9 x 12 inches, 40 pages
When Wine Tastes Best 2015
A Biodynamic Calendar for Wine Drinkers
MATTHIAS THUN
W
hen you buy a bottle of wine to
enjoy at home, wouldn’t you like to
know when it’s going to be at its best?
Based on Maria Thun’s biodynamic calendar, this handy little pocket guide lets you
know which days are optimum for drinking
wine and which to avoid to get the most
out of your glass.
At least two supermarket chains do their
wine tastings only on the best days indicated by this calendar!
ISBN: 9781782501091
Paperback, Floris Books
$7.95
4 1/8 x 5 7/8 inches, 48 pages
KARL-ERNST OSTHAUS
T
he author, an experienced farmer,
takes a down-to-earth approach to
agriculture. Based on an example farm of
around sixty hectares (or about 150 acres),
he recommends the ideal livestock numbers: twelve cows, four horses, six pigs, ten
sheep and 120 hens. This mix is drawn from
Osthaus’s deep understanding of nature,
animals, agriculture and the cosmos, and
from his many years of personal experience as a biodynamic farmer and teacher.
The result is a healthy, balanced, and sustainable farm.
T
his book gathers the best advice for
cultivating fruit trees, berries, and
shrubs using biodynamic methods for harvesting healthy, pesticide-free fruit. This is
an invaluable book with practical advice on
all aspects of planning and maintaining a
healthy orchard.
DR. EHRENFRIED PFEIFFER (1899–1961)
worked closely with Rudolf Steiner to
test and document many of the effects of
biodynamic practices and helped establish the Biodynamic Farming & Gardening
Association.
ISBN: 9781782500018
Paperback, Floris Books
$16.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 112 pages
ISBN: 9780863157660
Paperback, Floris Books
$14.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 96 pages
Using the Biodynamic Compost
Preparations and Sprays
in Garden, Orchard, and Farm
EHRENFRIED PFEIFFER
T
his classic text contains the practical
experience of the pioneers of biodynamic agriculture, who experimented on
the basis of the indications given to them
by Steiner, and passed on this valuable
practical experience to all of us. Only by
conscientiously carrying out all instructions from Steiner could full success be
reached. Originally published in 1938, this
is still an important resource for the biodynamic farmer or gardener. “[This] is only
a beginning, for in spite of fifteen years of
practical work, we are but standing on the
borders of a new world of knowledge and
of life” (Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, 1938).
ISBN: 9780938250326
Paperback, BFGA
$7.50
5½ x 8½ inches, 62 pages
In Partnership with Nature
JOCHEN BOCKEMÜHL
P
lacing special emphasis on different
kinds of knowledge, Bockemühl shows
how they can enhance our understanding
and experience of nature, as well as our
practical dealings with it. The author builds
on Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual Science, which
emphasizes that science is possible both in
the practical realm of material experience
and in the realms of soul and spiritual experience. Numerous black and white illustrations help the reader conceptualize these
multiple realms of experience.
JOCHEN BOCKEMÜHL studied zoology,
botany, chemistry, and geology. He has
been a coworker at the Research Institute
at the Goetheanum in Switzerland and
was director of the Natural Science Section. He is also the author of Awakening to
Landscape.
ISBN: 9780938250173
Paperback, Biodynamic Literature
$12.50
12¼ x 9¼ inches, 84 pages, b/w illustrations
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 15 Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
Goethe’s Science of Living Form
What Is Biodynamics?
The Plant, Volume 1
The Artistic Stages
A Way to Heal and Revitalize the Earth
A Guide to Understanding Its Nature
NIGEL HOFFMANN
7 selected lectures
GERBERT GROHMANN
H
offmann characterizes the four ways
of knowing and leads the reader into
the dynamic qualities of various plants and
animals and their landscapes. He demonstrates how this four-step methodology
provides a framework for the life sciences.
NIGEL HOFFMANN founded and edited
the magazine Transforming Art, which
explored the relationship between art
and science. He has taught short courses
in Goethean science at Waldorf schools in
Melbourne and Basel, where he resides.
ISBN: 9780932776358
Paperback, Adonis Press
$25.00
7 x 10 inches, 173 pages, illustrated
Cosmos, Earth, and Nutrition
The Biodynamic Approach to Agriculture
RICHARD THORNTON SMITH
T
he author describes the foundations
on which biodynamics, as well as the
more general organic movement, is based.
He builds bridges between mainstream science and Steiner’s insights, making it easier
for the broader organic and ecological
movement to approach biodynamic concepts and practice.
DR . RICH A RD THORNTON SMITH is an
inspector for the Biodynamic Association’s
Demeter and Organic certification program in the UK. He is a council member of
the Biodynamic Agricultural Association.
ISBN: 9781855842274
Paperback, Rudolf Steiner Press
$30.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 304 pages
RUDOLF STEINER
Introduction by Hugh Courtney
W
hat is biodynamics? This volume
presents seven seminal lectures
that answer this question, including four
lectures on developing a spiritual perception of nature and three from Rudolf
Steiner’s Agriculture Course that deal with
the essential biodynamic preparations.
Hugh Courtney (former director of the
Josephine Porter Institute for Applied
Biodynamics) contributes an informative,
passionate, and visionary introduction.
T
his classic lovingly studies the plant
world. It is the fruit of a lifetime of
patient and detailed observation of nature.
The book begins with the flowering plant
and then turns to the living face of the
Earth. Grohmann also considers the threefold nature of the plant and the nature of
the human being. Finally, there is a description of the “ladder of the plant kingdom.”
ISBN: 9780938250234
Paperback, BFGA
$12.75
5½ x 8½ inches, 208 pages
A Farmer’s Love
ISBN: 9780880105408
Paperback, SteinerBooks
$20.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 200 pages
Principles of Biodynamic Spray
and Compost Preparations
MANFRED KLETT
K
lett provides a fascinating overview of
the history of agriculture, then goes
on to discuss the practicalities of spray and
compost preparations, and the philosophy
behind them. This is essential reading for
any biodynamic gardener or farmer who
wants to understand the background to
core biodynamic techniques.
(This edition replaces the author’s Biodynamic Spray Preparations.)
Living Biodynamics
and the Meaning of Community
WALTER MOORA
F
armers seldom bare their souls in
books, but Walter Moora struggled and
wrestled the words in this book from his
heart. He offers more than specific descriptions of farming; he tells his life story as a
biodynamic farmer and how he learned the
lessons of creating healthy ecosystems on
the farm through biodynamic preparations
and by planting according to the stars.
DR. MANFRED KLETT is a founder of a biodynamic farming community in Germany.
He is the former director of the Department
of Agriculture at the Goetheanum in Switzerland and has more than twenty years’
experience in biodynamic agriculture.
WALTER MOORA was born in the jungles
of Borneo in 1949 of Dutch parents. He lived
and farmed for many years in New Zealand,
and in the U.S. he worked on Camphill
community farms, as well as on his own. In
2007, he sold his cattle and machinery and
moved with his wife Susan to live for nearly
a year in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. Walter currently writes, gives talks, leads workshops,
and shares his life with his wife.
ISBN: 9780863155420
Paperback, Floris Books
$14.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 112 pages
ISBN: 9780983198413
Paperback, Portal Books
$14.00
5 x 8 inches, 144 pages
16 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
Nutrition
Farms of Tomorrow Revisited
The Dynamics of Nutrition
Food, Health, and Spiritual Development
Community-Supported Farms—
Farm-Supported Communities
The Impulse of Rudolf Steiner’s
Spiritual Science for a New Nutritional Hygiene
Selected Lectures
RUDOLF STEINER
Introduced and edited by Christian von Arnim
S
teiner approaches nutrition in a refreshing and open way. He does not recommend an omnivorous, vegetarian, or vegan
diet, nor does he tell us not to smoke or
drink alcohol. His job as a scientist, he
says, is simply to explain how things work
and their effects; what we do with that
information is up to us. Nonetheless, he
emphasizes that diet not only determines
our physical wellbeing, but can also hinder
or promote our spiritual development.
In this anthology, Steiner discusses raw
food, vegetarian, and meat diets; protein,
fats, carbohydrates, and salts; foods such
as potatoes, beets, and radishes; and the
impact of alcohol and nicotine.
ISBN: 9781855842106
Paperback, Rudolf Steiner Press
$24.00
5¼ x 8½ inches, 192 pages
Biodynamic Greenhouse Management
HEINZ GROTZKE
T
T
his book is a timely sequel to the
popular inspirational blueprint for
community-supported agriculture (CSA). It
can help guide this rapidly growing movement to the next stage of its development.
The authors provide very practical examples and information that will be of service
to growers and shareholders alike, without
losing sight of the heart and excitement
that make the CSA movement central to
the renewal of agriculture.
ISBN: 9780938250135
Paperback, BFGA
$12.50
6 x 9 inches, 294 pages
Bees and Honey
From Flower to Jar
MICHAEL WEILER
W
e all know that bees make honey,
but the mystery for most of us is
what happens between the time when the
bees are buzzing around our garden and
when we stick our spoon in the honey jar.
Based on careful observation and years
of experience, Michael Weiler reveals the
secret life of bees and considers all aspects
of a bee’s life and work, vividly describing
their remarkable world. This is a fascinating
book for anyone interested in understanding this important garden friend.
his book will inspire you to grow
plants all year round. In this useful
resource, the author draws on more than
forty-five years of experience to provide a
comprehensive perspective and practical
tips on soil blends, biodynamic preparations, water, light, sanitation, and cuttings.
Based on Grotzke’s deep understanding
of plant life from his many years working as
a professional gardener, the text presents
a straightforward explanation of practical
aspects, offering much more than a series
of dry technical instructions.
MICHAEL WEILER does research in biodynamics and is editor of the magazine
Lebendige Erde. He has helped to develop
guidelines for approaches to ecological
beekeeping and leads seminars on the life
of bees and healthy beekeeping.
ISBN: 9780938250258
Paperback, BFGA
$12.00
5½ x 8½ inches, 105 pages
ISBN: 9780863155758
Paperback, Floris Books
$17.95
5½ x 8½, 120 pages
GERHARD SCHMIDT, MD
D
rawing on research based on Rudolf
Steiner’s Spiritual Science, this book
looks at nutrition, offering a new dynamic
view of humanity, the world, and food as a
community-building force.
Topics include: basic questions of
nutrition—the expansion of nutritional
research through Steiner’s Spiritual Science; the purpose of nutrition; aspects of
nutrition in relation to physiology; smell
and taste: spices and aromatic substances;
rhythm in nutrition; raw and cooked foods;
foods, dietary substances, and medicinal
substances; nutrition from plants, nutrition
from animals; nutrition and spiritual life;
nutrition and soul life; community-building
through the meal; the history of human
nutrition; the development of nutrition
in the age of technology—contemporary
nutritional hygiene.
ISBN: 9780938250005
Paperback, Biodynamic Literature
$9.95
6 x 9 inches, 244 pages
The Essentials of Nutrition
GERHARD SCHMIDT, MD
T
his book is the sequel to The Dynamics of Nutrition and builds on the
same purpose—to help us develop a new
concept of nutrition through a fresh view
of humanity and the world. Guided by Spiritual Science, Schmidt opens up a more realistic view of nutrition in general, building
up the insights of his prior book to discuss
nutrition in practice.
ISBN: 9780938250227
Paperback, Biodynamic Literature
$9.95
6 x 9 inches, 316 pages
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 17 Crops and Cropping by Friedrich Sattler and Eckard von Wistinghausen
Foreword
G
Growing Biodynamic Crops
Sowing, Cultivation, and Rotation
FRIEDRICH SATTLER &
ECKARD VON WISTINGHAUSEN
A
biodynamic farm is an integrated,
holistic organism that balances animal
husbandry with growing a range of plants,
crops, and trees. Balance is most important
for a sustainable farm.
Growing Biodynamic Crops focuses
on one aspect of biodynamic farming—
growing crops—in depth. It addresses
all aspects of crop husbandry, from the
nature of plants and issues of land use to
cultivating grassland, weed control, crop
rotation, seeds and sowing, and growing
cereals, row crops, legumes, fodder crops,
and herbs.
This book offers a comprehensive overview of crops and cropping for biodynamic
farmers, written by experts in the field.
FRIEDRICH SATTLER is a trained agriculturalist. For many years, he managed a farm
in Talhof, Germany, that has been operated
along biodynamic principles since 1928.
ECKARD VON WISTINGHAUSEN joined
the staff of the Bio-Dynamic Research Institution in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1972. His
particular concerns there were site and soil
analysis, quality standards, and education
and training.
ISBN: 9781782501121
Paperback, Floris Books
$19.95
5½ x 8½ inches, 160 pages
by
Bernard Jarman
rowing Biodynamic Crops originally
formed part of Bio-Dynamic Farming
Practice, the detailed manual on biodynamic agriculture published in German in
1989 and in English in 1992. It was a book
that became an indispensable English language reference work for aspiring biodynamic farmers and a standard textbook for
biodynamic students. Although times have
moved on, the wisdom and practical knowhow contained within it remains as valid as
it ever was. Fritz Sattler managed a farm for
33 years in southern Germany. His lifetime’s
experience of both arable and livestock
farming provides a rich source of information dating back to the pioneering years of
biodynamic agriculture. The subject of crop
husbandry dealt with in this edition is particularly well researched. Many aspects are
of course not unique to biodynamic agriculture. Principles of grassland management,
which are so carefully described in the first
chapters, draw on the highly regarded work
of researchers such as Andre Voisin and Sir
John Stapledon, as well as recommendations arising from organic field trials and
the farmer’s own extensive experience.
Embedded within the text however are
countless references to and recommendations for biodynamic applications.
Biodynamic agriculture is practiced
today in many corners of the world where
it is recognized as being a particularly
sustainable farming approach. Fine taste,
healthy appearance and good keeping
quality are characteristics recognizable in
many foodstuffs produced under biodynamic conditions. They are also less prone
to disease, more resilient and have greater
vitality. These qualities—along with a
farming approach that is strictly organic,
encourages diversity and observes the law
of return—make biodynamic agriculture
an approach of choice for increasing numbers of people concerned for the future of
our planet.
Central to the biodynamic approach is
the application of unique life-enhancing
preparations for treating the soil and
growing plants. Biodynamic sprays created
entirely from natural materials, are used
to enhance plant sensitivity and regulate
the way they develop and ripen. One of
these, known as “horn manure,” serves
to strengthen and sensitize plant roots to
the mineral and nutrient capacities of the
soil while a second, “horn silica,” regulates
the plant’s metabolism, strengthens its
structure and enhances the qualitative
ripening processes. There are also preparations based on six different medicinal
plants—yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak
bark, dandelion and valerian. These are the
biodynamic compost preparations which
are used to effect a harmonious transformation of decaying materials into humusrich compost.
Another aspect of biodynamic practice
referred to concerns the timing of particular operations in relation to specific sun,
moon and planetary constellations. The
well-known planting calendar of Maria
Thun is only obliquely referred to but is a
widely used tool in biodynamic practice.
According to her research, the passage of
the moon through the zodiac constellations encourages the growth of particular
plant organs. Thus when the moon stands
in front of Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo,
the roots of plants are stimulated; while
Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio support leaf
growth; Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra that
of flowers; and Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
promote fruiting.
The book was written by German farmers and therefore has a distinct continental flavor. In Britain there were in the
past very few farms growing cereals on
any scale, and for many years biodynamic
agriculture was mostly practiced on
smaller farms focusing on livestock and
vegetable production. This is perhaps not
surprising given that much of western
Britain is best suited to livestock farming
and that until fairly recently there were
no biodynamic farms in the eastern cereal
growing regions. This is now changing and,
as more biodynamic arable farms develop
the guidance provided in this manual will
be of invaluable support.
A Look
at
the
History
Crop growing and plant breeding began
when tribes started to settle. Advanced
early civilizations in the Iranian uplands and
Mesopotamia, along the Indus in Pakistan,
the Hoangho in China, the Nile Delta and
in Mexico brought intense development of
farming methods and plant breeding.
Zarathustra, the great initiate of the
ancient Persian civilization, instructed
18 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
from Growing Biodynamic Crops: Sowing, Cultivation, and Rotation
people in soil cultivation: “Taking a golden
dagger, he scratched the soil.” The heat of
the sun and light-filled air penetrated the
soil which had thus been torn open; arable
soil was created, with the necessary conditions for breeding the cereal species and
many other cultivated plants.
Archaeologists have found emmer (an
early form of wheat) and barley in Arpachiyah (Northern Iraq, Assyria), emmer, barley and vetch (Vicia species) in Merimda
Beni Salama, Ma’asari, Maadi and Faiyum
(Egypt), all dating back to about 4000 bc;
finds of barley, flax, lentils and a crucifer
species (mustard or cabbage) in Sumer
and in Uruk date back to the Sumerian
civilization of 3100 bc. It is evident that
plant breeding and a cereal diet were an
important precondition for the development of those early civilizations. The
earliest traces of cereals in Europe found
near Lake Mälaren in Sweden date back to
about 3600 bc.
Cultivated wheat, barley, millet, rice
and maize appeared suddenly and always
hand in hand with equally rapid progress
in civilization. The many different breeds
of domestic animals and useful plants (e.g.,
many varieties of fruit) that we have today
largely go back to that early period of civilization in the fourth and fifth millennia bc.
Further new development has really
only come in the last two centuries—i.e.,
about six thousand years later. The science
of genetics and its practical application
have led to the development of many
new plant varieties and animal breeds.
Scientific observation and the knowledge
gained in physiology and biochemistry are
becoming increasingly more refined and
differentiated.
The introduction of modern agrochemical, farm and labour management methods has had progressively more negative
results, especially in the last three decades:
•
•
signs of rapid degeneration and
increasing susceptibility to pests
and diseases in plants,
increasing loss of fertility and the
appearance of new diseases in
animals.
The use of new seed varieties almost
every year, the increasing use of chemicals
on plants, rapid rotational grazing and
intensive use of prophylactic medication
on animals provide only short-term solutions and do not deal with the causes.
There is increasing awareness that new
ways will have to be found and followed,
and this is a major challenge for the theory
and practice of agriculture. First attempts
made in plant breeding, for example, have
shown that it will require enormous effort
to find new methods that will be a real help
in the foreseeable future. Existing plant
species and varieties will need careful
nurturing. When a particular variety has
proved successful on a farm, it is advisable
to follow the methods given in the section
on seed production. Optimal cropping
sequences and the decision to grow only
crops that suit the habitat support our
efforts to develop sound farming practices.
Th e S i d e r e a l S y s t e m
The oldest known form of crop growing is
the sidereal system (from the Latin sidus,
star, “determined by the stars”).
Wiljams (1949) states: “The Romans took
the fully developed sidereal system from
the Greeks, who had adopted it from the
Egyptians; they, in turn, had taken over the
complete system used by the peoples of
the East. Anything before this is lost in the
mists of history.
“The system is to sow winter rye or
mustard every one or two years after the
crop has been harvested, ploughing in the
rye after shooting and the mustard after
flowering in late autumn. The Egyptians
replaced mustard and rye with Egyptian
clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), the people
living in what today are the Central Asian
Republics with mung bean (Phaseolus
mungo) and those in Tajikistan with field
pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense).” (Ruebensam & Rauhe 1964).
It may be assumed that the system was
evolved by people with vast knowledge of
the connection between stellar activities
and everything that happens in the kingdoms of nature on earth.
This explains why the cultivated plants
of today evolved so rapidly when farming began in 6000 to 4000 bc. Cultivated
plants were bred from wild plants by taking
account of specific planetary conjunctions
and oppositions.
In biodynamic agriculture, astronomical
researches are in progress to rediscover the
skills and knowledge of the plant and animal breeders of ancient Persia and develop
them further on the basis of modern science and the conscious mind of today.
In one particular experiment it proved
possible to achieve genetic changes in
cultivated plants by merely sowing and
replanting them at the times of specific
conjunctions and oppositions. A vast field
has opened up for scientists with unbiased
minds who have the courage to take this up.
Tw o
and
Th r e e - f i e l d
System
It seems that the sidereal system was lost
in Roman times; the ancient Germans
either lost track of it or did not have it at all.
Tacitus wrote that, unlike the Romans,
German tribes were using a strict rotation
of crops. A two-field system of alternating
cereal crops and fallow would be used in
poor conditions, a three-field system of
winter cereal, spring cereal and fallow in
areas with better soil and climate.
Properly managed fallowing improves
humus levels and stable crumb structure
and keeps weeds under control. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries red clover
and other leguminous plants were introduced, as well as potatoes, beet, oil plants,
etc., and this gave an improved three-field
system, with the new crops replacing the
fallow. Increased fodder production meant
larger quantities of farmyard manure, and
this, together with raised nitrogen levels
from the inclusion of leguminous crops, led
to increased yields.
The improved three-field system also
included roots and tubers: winter cereal
(rye), spring cereal (oats), red clover, winter
cereal (wheat), spring cereal (barley), root
or tuber (potatoes).
Carefully planned cropping sequences
are a major factor in farm productivity.
C r o p R otat i o n
The improved three-field system marked
the transition to crop rotation. Two-course
rotation alternates non-cereals and cereals,
double rotation has non-cereals twice and
cereals twice. Yields are markedly better
with the double system.
In polycrop rotation, cereals are grown
after three non-cereals—e.g., two crops of
grass and clover ley, potatoes, or barley.
•
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 19 Featured Books
How to Move like a Gardener
The Language of Plants
Stars of the Meadow
Planting and Preparing Medicines from Plants
A Guide to the Doctrine of Signatures
Medicinal Herbs As Flower Essences
DEB SOULE
JULIA GRAVES
DAVID DALTON
“Like one of Deb’s hummingbirds hovering before the inviting maw of a nasturtium, the reader will find this book
endowed with glorious offerings of
rich nectar. It makes me want to go out
and turn the compost pile, one steaming forkful at a time, while slowly chewing a dandelion leaf that protrudes
from the corner of my mouth. Once
again we find that by working within
nature’s phantasmagoria of diverse
life forms, we humans, unleased from
the tethers of telephones, traffic, and
time, find ourselves a part of great
nature, and in so doing find freedom.”
—Richo Cech, Horizon Herbs
“A powerful and unique book, The Language of Plants is without doubt the
most in-depth discussion of plant signatures available to us today. . . . While
reading it, I felt a modern alchemist at
work.” —Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist
and author of The Herbalist’s Way
T
his book’s informative pages and
more than 200 beautiful color photographs taken in Avena’s garden embody
Deb Soule’s deep love and respect for the
spirit of the medicinal plants, with which
she has worked for almost 40 years.
DEB SOULE founded Avena
Botanicals in 1985. Deb is a
well-known herbalist, teacher,
gardener, and author of The
Woman’s Handbook of Healing
Herbs. Deb began her herbal
studies at the age of 16 with
internationally known medical herbalist Mary Bove. In 2005, People, Places
and Plants Magazine named Deb one
of the 50 most influential gardeners in
northeastern US. Discover more about
this book and Avena Botanicals at www
.movelikeagardener.com.
ISBN: 9780615636436
Paperback, Under the Willow Press
$33.00
7 x 10 inches, 256 pages, in color
I
t is only in the age of technology that
human beings have lost the sense of
nature being alive. Throughout history,
people spoke to nature, and nature communicated with them. During the Middle
Ages, reading the “book of nature” was
called the doctrine of signatures, which
had always been an important part of
interacting with nature for traditional healers and herbalists.
The Language of Plants covers all aspects
of the doctrine of signatures in an easily
accessible format, so that everyone—
whether nature lovers or healers—can
learn to read the language of plants in connection with healing.
JULIA GRAVES grew up
in Germany in close communion with nature. She
trained in anthroposophic
massage therapy, herbalism, and medicine from
an early age. Julia has traveled around the
globe—from North America to the Himalayas—to study the doctrine of signatures
and its relevance in the world. She is a practicing herbalist, a maker of flower essences,
and a naturopathic doctor. Julia organized a
naturopathic relief clinic in response to the
2010 earthquake in Haiti and presently lives
on her farm in a remote area of France.
ISBN: 9781584200987
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$35.00
7 x 8¾ inches, 368 pages, in color
F
lower essences are liquid, energetic
remedies derived from living flowers.
They bring the natural dynamic energy of
the plant directly into the human electrosystem, where they help to bring about
health and balance, working directly and
deeply in the emotional system and assisting in the release of early wounds and
trauma.
Continuing the work of Edward Bach,
Dalton looks deeply into the relationship
between health and the human personality. He takes us on an exploration of how
to use more than forty medicinal herbs as
flower essences, portraying each flower in
a way that is both substantive and inspired.
Each description is organized to present a
picture of how the flower essence affects
the adult personality as it has been formed
through life, and describes its direct clinical effects on children and animals.
Dalton also connects different flowers—
based on the number and arrangement
of petals as well as associated colors and
qualities—to the system of human chakras,
or energy centers. This allows the reader
to focus on specific areas of one’s being,
allowing a kind of flexibility rarely found in
any single system of healing.
DAVID DALTON is the founder and director
of Delta Gardens in southern New Hampshire, a center for flower essence research
and education. The center treats adults,
children, and animals, and trains practitioners from many professional fields for the
ongoing inquiry into the effects of flower
essences on the body, mind, and emotions.
ISBN: 9780615636436
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$33.00
7 x 10 inches, 184 pages, in color
2 0 | F o r t h e l at e st a n d m ost c o m p l e t e i n fo r m at i o n o n o u r b o o k s , vi sit o u r we bsit e at st e i n e rb o o k s . o rg
Featured Books
Thinking Like a Plant
Sacred Agriculture
Climate
A Living Science for Life
The Alchemy of Biodynamics
Soul of the Earth
CRAIG HOLDREGE
DENNIS KLOCEK
DENNIS KLOCEK
ho would imagine that plants can
become master teachers of a
radical new way of seeing and interacting
with the world? Plants are dynamic and
resilient, living in intimate connection with
their environment. This book presents an
organic way of knowing modeled after the
way plants live.
When we slow down, turn our attention to plants, study them carefully, and
consciously internalize the way they live,
a transformation begins. Our thinking
becomes more fluid and dynamic; we realize how we are embedded in the world;
we become sensitive and responsive to
the contexts we meet; and we learn to
thrive within a changing world. These are
the qualities our culture needs in order to
develop a more sustainable, life-supporting relation to our environment.
While it is easy to talk about new paradigms and to critique our current state of
affairs, it is not so easy to move beyond the
status quo. That’s why this book is crafted
as a practical guide to developing a lifeinfused way of interacting with the world.
“From an esoteric point of view and
from Steiner’s point of view, the evolution of the Earth depends on the evolution of human consciousness. They are
not separate.” —Dennis Klocek
W
CRAIG HOLDREGE, PhD, is
director of The Nature Institute in Ghent, NY, where
he carries out research and
teaches in adult education
programs (www.natureinstitute.org). His studies of animals and plants as integrated beings have
led to numerous publications. He has also
developed a contextual approach to understanding heredity and genetic engineering.
ISBN: 9781584201434
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$25.00
6 x 9 inches, 224 pages, in color
K
locek explores the essence of biodynamic agriculture, in particular the
nature of inner development needed to
utilize such methods effectively. He tells
us that biodynamics requires constant
self-development and an intimate knowledge of and relationship with the plants,
animals, weather, earth, the preparations
and much more.
Based on numerous lectures given to
serious biodynamic gardeners, farmers,
and winemakers, the author presents
his views within a structure of Goethean
observation, alchemical language, and
the classic four elements, all based on the
work of Rudolf Steiner and other pioneers
in this field, as well as his own many years
of interest in biodynamic methods, both
conceptual and practical.
This is not a book of recipes and how-to
techniques, but a guidebook to the inner
means of working with the elemental
nature of the earth, showing ways to read
in nature what is needed.
DENNIS KLOCEK is an
artist, scientist, teacher,
researcher, gardener, and
alchemist, and the director of the Consciousness
Studies Program at Rudolf
Steiner College in Sacramento, California.
ISBN: 9781584201410
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$30.00
6 x 9 inches, 256 pages, Illustrated in b/w
T
his exciting book—presented in full
color—considers
“climate,”
ultimately, to be an expression of the fundamental task of Gaia, the being of Earth. At
the center of this book is the idea that the
climate crisis is one shared by humanity
and the Earth as part of our mutual evolution toward higher states of consciousness.
Not only is Earth the source of our body,
but the Earth also now depends on our
efforts to shift our consciousness toward
goals higher than self-satisfaction, entertainment, and consumption. Climate is the
interface that displays the results of our
efforts to attain higher consciousness for
all of the cosmos to see and evaluate.
In a technically sound, yet highly accessible, discussion of how our Earth’s complex climate system works, Dennis Klocek
takes the reader through various climate
and weather patterns, using case studies
of recent events, explaining terms and
phenomena—all with the goal of helping
us understand the Earth’s soul, within
which we live and develop as human
beings. He describes and explains the
earthly and extra-earthly forces behind
weather patterns such as droughts, floods,
and hurricanes, showing how larger patterns such as El Niño and La Niña develop
and affect the complex systems that form
weather events.
In his surprising final chapter, “Moral
Roots of the Climate Crisis,” the author discusses the development of human science
and consciousness.
ISBN: 9781584200949
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$35.00
6 x 9 inches, 304 pages, in color
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 21 The Nature Institute
Learning from Nature’s Wisdom
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From America’s
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B o o k s f o r Yo u ng Pe o p l e a n d Pa re n t s
Roses for Isabella
The Organic Bug Book
Findus, Food and Fun
DIANA COHN & AMY CÓRDOVA
CHRIS KORROW
Seasonal Crafts and Nature Activities
his children’s book is based on Korrow’s award-winning film Garden
Insects. After two decades of living off the
grid and home-schooling his two daughters on a biodynamic farm in Kentucky, he
was inspired to create this book to inspire
grown-ups to get outside and into their
gardens with children.
Chris describes and illustrates dozens of
insects that we can find in our backyards,
explaining what they do and how they are
related to us and our gardens. Includes a
section of tips for organic “pest” control.
SVEN NORDQVIST, EVA-LENA LARSSON
T
his book invites us to experience
life in Ecuador through the eyes of a
young girl who keeps a journal and loves
to write. We learn about Isabella’s parents
who work on one of the hundreds of farms
growing beautiful roses that are sold all
over the world. But not all of these farms
are fair to workers and kind to the earth.
Through Isabella, we learn how her family’s life changes for the better when her
parents find work at a Fair Trade farm.
Written by award-winning author Diana
Cohn and brilliantly illustrated by awardwinning artist Amy Córdova, Roses for
Isabella will touch the hearts of children
and parents, as well as introduce them to
the cultural traditions of Ecuador and the
importance of making choices that support Fair Trade products.
DIANA COHN is an awardwinning children’s book author.
Her books include Namaste!
and Dream Carver (with Amy
Córdova), as well as Yes, We
Can! Janitor Strike in LA; Mr. Goethe’s Garden; and The Bee Tree. She lives with her
husband in Northern California.
AMY CÓRDOVA is an artist
and storyteller and has been
recognized for her work as an
illustrator of children’s books,
receiving the Wisconsin Library
Award for Namaste!, and being named
honor winner of the American Library
Association’s Pura Belpré Award 2009 and
2010. Amy lives in Taos, New Mexico.
ISBN: 9780880107310
Hardcover, SteinerBooks
$17.95
9 x 10 inches, 32 pages
T
CHRIS KORROW is a naturalist, farmer, photographer,
filmmaker, and author. His
film Garden Insects won two
film festival awards and
premiered nationwide on PBS. Frost Flowers has aired on PBS Kentucky for several
years. His film The Mercury Is Rising, presented by the Sierra Club, is an educational
film on the effects of mercury pollution
from coal-fired power plants. He is also
the author of The 30-Square-Foot Garden: A
How-to Guide (2008); A Guide for Observing
Nature (2008); and Awakening to Nature:
Gardening and Nature Observation as a Path
of Spiritual Development (2008). Chris lives
on Whidbey Island, Puget Sound, where he
grows food on a 1/3-acre market garden
inside the city limits of Langley and within
walking distance of home.
ISBN: 9781584201458
Paperback, Lindisfarne Books
$11.95
10 x 10 inches, 44 pages, full color
& KENNERT DANIELSSON
T
his is for mothers, fathers, grandparents, teachers, caregivers, and anyone connected with a young child. Along
with Findus, Pettson, and the Muckles, you
can discover things to do for every season—pottering, collecting, fixing, crafting,
building, exploring, baking, sometimes
outdoors, sometimes in. This book offers a
whole year’s worth of ideas.
SVEN NORDQVIST is a leading Swedish
children’s illustrator and writer. In 1983, he
won first prize in a children’s book competition and since then has worked exclusively
as an author and illustrator of children’s
books, which have won awards in Sweden
and Germany.
ISBN: 9781907359347
Paperback, Hawthorn Press
$27.00
8¼ x 11¾ inches, 64 pages, full color
Findus Plants Meatballs
SVEN NORDQVIST
I
t was a beautiful spring morning. The
birds were singing, the grass was
growing, and small creatures were busy
everywhere, filling the air with the gentle
buzzing, rustling song of life returning
after winter . . .
Farmer Pettson begins to sow his vegetables and Findus, who doesn’t like vegetables, decides to plant one of his meatballs instead. However, protecting the
vegetable garden from the farm animals
proves difficult for Findus and Pettson.
ISBN: 9781584201458
Paperback, Hawthorn Press
$11.95
10 x 10 inches, 44 pages, full color
Yo u c a n h e l p su p p o r t t h e wo rk o f St e i n e r B o o k s b y o rd e r i ng d i re c t ly o n l i n e o r b y c a l l i ng 703 . 6 61.159 4 | 2 3 Heaven on Earth
A Handbook for Parents of Young Children
Making a Family Home
SHARIFA OPPENHEIMER
SHANNON HONEYBLOOM
Photography by Stephanie Gross
Photography by Skip Hunt
T
I
he author shows how to create the regular life rhythms needed
to establish a foundation for learning; how to design indoor
play environments that allow children the broadest development of
skills; and how to create outdoor play spaces that encourage vigorous movement and a wide sensory palette.
SHARIFA OPPENHEIMER was a kindergarten teacher
for 21 years and a day care director of an early-childhood program. She also initiated a home-based kindergarten program. She is the mother of three and lives
in Virginia.
ISBN: 9780880105668 | Paperback, SteinerBooks
$25.00
7¼ x 9, 256 pages | Over 40 photos & illustrations
SteinerBooks Statement
of
Purpose
SteinerBooks (is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit
organization, incorporated in New York
llustrated in color with lively, evocative photographs, Shannon
invites the reader into her home and offers warm encouragement
and practical suggestions for virtually every aspect of bringing love,
comfort, and beauty to a family home.
SHANNON HONEYBLOOM has lived in France,
Germany, and South Africa and received a B.A. in
Classics from the University of Florida and taught
high school English. She has three children and lives
with her family in Austin, Texas. Her website is at
shannonhoneybloom.com.
ISBN: 9780880107020 | Paperback, SteinerBooks
$20.00
8½ x 11 inches, 90 pages | Full color throughout
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universe; and to this end publish and distribute books for adults and children, utilize
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Numerica
A Waldorf Book of Counting
GLORIA KEMP
Illustrated by Elsa Murray-Lafrenz
O
nce upon a time there lived a girl named Sky and a boy named Bilko, who
loved to dance and play tag with the butterflies in the fields. When they
were asked how many butterflies and ants they saw, they could not say . . .
Gloria Kemp and Elsa Murray-Lafrenz have produced a book that helps a
child learn to count and helps early education teachers and parents teach
numbers to children in a living and fun way.
Waldorf teachers, especially, will find this book helpful in bringing numbers
to their young students in a way that lives all around them in the natural world.
GLORIA KEMP has been a Waldorf class teacher and was director of
teacher training for Waldorf Teacher Development Association in Ann Arbor.
She now teaches in the Applied Arts program of Threefold Educational
Foundation. Gloria has worked with Waldorf schools for accreditation,
consulted with schools, and mentored teachers. She has served on the
boards of The Rudolf Steiner School, Hawthorne Valley Association, Rudolf
Steiner Foundation, AWSNA, and Waldorf Schools Fund.
ELSA MURRAY-LAFRENZ grew up in a family of artists in the heart of
San Francisco. She spent her formative years at San Francisco Waldorf
School before going on to the School of the Arts high school and then to The Rhode Island School of Design,
where she majored in Illustration. Elsa currently lives in San Francisco, where she teaches art to students of all
ages. You can view her work at www.elsaillustration.com.
ISBN: 9781621480082 • Hardcover • SteinerBooks • $17.95 • 11 x 8½ inches • 36 pages
The Blue Forest
LUKE FISCHER
Illustrated by Stephanie Young and Tim Smith
These tales are from a wondrous forest
Where trees are blue and flowers sing.
A small girl finds a glowing chest
Enclosing jewels, pearls, a ring.
A boy who sleeps high in a tree
Is woken by a blue bird’s song,
And a red bird’s melody
Inspires dreams the whole night long.
T
his book collects seven highly imaginative bedtime stories—one story for each night
of the week, and each story featuring one of the seven colors of the rainbow. The
stories, set in a magical blue forest, tell of mysterious nighttime events and relationships involving humans
and animals and nature. The tales of The Blue Forest have an innovative and artistic character that explores the genre of bedtime
stories in a new way. They were conceived and composed as bedtime stories in the most emphatic sense—their vivid painterly
depictions, enigmatic occurrences, and archetypal imagery make the tales resemble the non-discursive and ethereal dreamscape of sleep. The stories enliven the imagination in a way that leads seamlessly from the clear outlines of the waking world into
the elusive realm of dreams; they are more imagistic than narrative, which draws the reader and listener to live more deeply into
the images, rather than being seized by the “daytime” logic of a gripping plot.
LUKE FISCHER is an award-winning writer, scholar, and award-winning poet. He is the author of the poetry
collection Paths of Flight (Black Pepper, 2013), the monograph The Poet as Phenomenologist: Rilke and the New
Poems (Bloomsbury, 2015), as well as poems, translations, and articles in journals, anthologies, and academic
volumes. In 2008, he was awarded a PhD in philosophy from the University of Sydney. He has taught at universities in the US and Germany and lives in Sydney, Australia.
ISBN: 9781584201472 • Paperback • SteinerBooks • $14.95 • 6¾ x 7¾ inches • 48 pages
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“From an esoteric point of view and from Steiner’s point of view, the evolution of the Earth depends
on the evolution of human consciousness. They are not separate.” —Dennis Klocek (Sacred Agriculture)
Cover Image: Freshly Picked Pears, copyright © by Beorn Bjorn (shutterstock.com)
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